Exercise Systems and Methods

ABSTRACT

An exercise system comprising an extension section and a base section. The base section comprises a support assembly, a sleeve assembly, and a resilient member. The resilient member is arranged to resiliently oppose movement of the sleeve assembly in a compression direction relative to the support assembly. The extension section is detachably attachable to the sleeve assembly. The exercise system is operated in at least first and second configurations. In the first configuration, the extension section is detached from the sleeve assembly. In the second configuration, the extension section is detachably attached to the sleeve assembly such that the resilient member resiliently opposes movement of the sleeve assembly relative to the support assembly in the compression direction.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application, (Attorney's Ref. No. P219804) is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/803,488, filed Nov. 3, 2017,currently pending.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/803,488 claims priority of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/417,065, filed Nov. 3, 2016,now expired.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an exercise system and methods ofexercising and, in particular, to resistance exercise systems andmethods that may be easily reconfigured for storage and use in differentconfigurations.

BACKGROUND

A variety of exercise equipment is available to increase physicalfitness of humans. Typically, exercise equipment is designed for a typeof exercise (e.g., cardio training or strength training) and/or even fora specific body part or region (e.g., core, upper body, or lower body).Additionally, exercise equipment tends to be designed for youngerindividuals with a different capacity for exercise than olderindividuals. Finally, conventional sports equipment tends to be bulky orheavy and occupies a large amount of fixed space.

The need exists for multi-purpose exercise equipment that is small,collapsible, and portable and which is suitable for cardio or strengthtraining, for the exercise of individual muscles or larger musclegroups, and for use by older individuals.

SUMMARY

The present invention may be embodied as an exercise system comprisingan extension section and a base section. The base section comprises asupport assembly, a sleeve assembly, and a resilient member. Theresilient member is arranged to resiliently oppose movement of thesleeve assembly in a compression direction relative to the supportassembly. The extension section is detachably attachable to the sleeveassembly. The exercise system is operated in at least first and secondconfigurations. In the first configuration, the extension section isdetached from the sleeve assembly. In the second configuration, theextension section is detachably attached to the sleeve assembly suchthat the resilient member resiliently opposes movement of the sleeveassembly relative to the support assembly in the compression direction.

The present invention may also be embodied as a method of exercisingcomprising the following steps. An extension section, a supportassembly, a sleeve assembly, a resilient member, and a base section areprovided. The a sleeve assembly is detachably attachable to theextension section. A base section is formed by arranging the resilientmember to resiliently oppose movement of the sleeve assembly in acompression direction relative to the support assembly. The extensionsection is detachably attachable to the sleeve assembly, and a force isapplied to the extension section such that the extension section isdisplaced relative to the support assembly in the compression direction.The extension section is detached from the sleeve assembly, and a forceis applied to the sleeve assembly such that the sleeve assembly isdisplaced relative to the support assembly in the compression direction.

The present invention may also be embodied as an exercise systemcomprising an extension section and a base section. The extensionsection an extension brace assembly. The base section comprises asupport assembly, a sleeve assembly, and a resilient member. The supportassembly comprises a support member and a support brace assemblysupported by the support member. The sleeve assembly comprises a sleevemember and a sleeve brace assembly supported by the sleeve member. Theresilient member is arranged to resiliently oppose movement of thesleeve assembly in a compression direction relative to the supportassembly. The extension section is detachably attachable to the sleeveassembly. The exercise system is operated in at least a firstconfiguration and a second configuration. In the first configuration,the extension section is detached from the sleeve assembly and a firstexercise force is applied to the sleeve brace assembly to the force thesleeve assembly towards the support assembly in the compressiondirection. In the second configuration, the extension section isdetachably attached to the sleeve assembly such that the resilientmember resiliently opposes movement of the sleeve assembly relative tothe support assembly in the compression direction and a second exerciseforce is applied to the extension brace assembly to force the sleeveassembly towards the support assembly in the compression direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a first example exercise system of thepresent invention in a first configuration and in an expandedconfiguration;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the first example exercise system;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the first example exercise system inthe first configuration in a compressed configuration;

FIG. 4 illustrates ranges of movement between the front elevation viewsof the first example exercise system in the first configuration incompressed and expanded configurations, respectively;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the first example exercise device;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation section view of the first example exercisesystem in the first configuration and in the expanded configuration;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation section view of the first example exercisesystem in the first configuration and in the compressed configuration;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view illustrating the assembly of the firstexample exercise system;

FIG. 9 is a detail view of FIG. 6 illustrating a first connector systemof the first example exercise system;

FIG. 10 is a detail view of FIG. 6 illustrating a second connectorsystem of the first example exercise system;

FIG. 11A is a detail view of FIG. 2 illustrating the second connectorsystem in a connected configuration;

FIG. 11B is a detail view similar to FIG. 11A illustrating the secondconnector system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 12 is a detail view of FIG. 6 illustrating a third connector systemof the first example exercise system;

FIG. 13 is a section view taken along lines 13-13 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a section view taken along lines 14-14 in FIG. 1 illustratinga fourth connector system of the first example exercise system in alocked configuration;

FIG. 15 is a section view similar to FIG. 14 illustrating the fourthconnector system in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 16 is a section view taken along lines 16-16 in FIG. 2 illustratingthe extension brace assembly in a use configuration;

FIG. 17 is a section view taken along lines 17-17 in FIG. 1 illustratingthe extension brace assembly in the use configuration;

FIG. 18-21 are section views similar to FIG. 17 illustrating the processof reconfiguring the extension brace assembly from the use configurationinto a storage configuration;

FIG. 22 is a section view similar to FIG. 17 illustrating the extensionbrace assembly in the storage configuration;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of a brace pad in a flat configuration, wherethe brace pad may be used with the first example exercise system;

FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of the brace pad in the flatconfiguration;

FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the brace pad in the flatconfiguration;

FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of the brace pad in a rolledconfiguration; and

FIG. 27 is a side elevation view illustrating optional brace padsconnected to a support brace assembly and an extension brace assembly ofthe first example exercise system.

FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate a first example exercise performed usingthe first example exercise system;

FIGS. 29A and 29B illustrate a second example exercise performed usingthe first example exercise system;

FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate a third example exercise performed usingthe first example exercise system;

FIGS. 31A and 31B illustrate a fourth example exercise performed usingthe first example exercise system;

FIGS. 32A, 32B, and 32C illustrate a fifth example exercise performedusing the first example exercise system;

FIGS. 33A, 33B, and 33C illustrate a sixth example exercise performedusing the first example exercise system;

FIGS. 34A, 34B, and 34C illustrate a seventh example exercise performedusing the first example exercise system;

FIGS. 35A, 35B, and 35C illustrate an eighth example exercise performedusing the first example exercise system;

FIGS. 36A, 36B, and 36C illustrate a ninth example exercise performedusing the first example exercise system;

FIGS. 37A, 37B, and 37C illustrate a tenth example exercise performedusing the first example exercise system; and

FIGS. 38A, 38B, and 38C illustrate an eleventh example exerciseperformed using the first example exercise system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1 of the drawing, depicted therein is afirst example exercise system 20 constructed in accordance with, andembodying, the principles of the present invention. The first exampleexercise system 20 comprises a base section 22 and an extension section24.

The example base section 22 is configured to move between compressed andexpanded configurations. In particular, the example base section 22 isnormally resiliently biased into the expanded position but a user mayapply a force on at least one portion of the base section 22 to forcethe base section 22 at least partly into the compressed configuration.For a given base section 22, the amount of physical exertion applied tothe base section 22 determines whether the base section 22 is partly orfully compressed. The example base section 22 is also at least partlyreconfigurable to accommodate a particular user and a particularexercise. The example extension section 24 may be rigidly connected to aportion of the base section 22 to alter the size of the first exampleexercise system 20 as is appropriate for the particular user and theparticular exercise being performed. The example base section 22 thusallows a number and type of resistance exercises to be performed, andthe combination of the base section 22 and the extension section 24substantially increases number and type of resistance exercises that canbe performed using the first example exercise system 20.

The example base section 22 comprises a support assembly 30, a sleeveassembly 32, and a resilient member 34. The example support assembly 30comprises a support tube 40 and a support brace assembly 42 supported ata predetermined position relative to the support tube 40. The examplesleeve assembly 32 comprises a sleeve tube 50 and a sleeve braceassembly 52 supported at a desired position on the sleeve tube 50. Theresilient member 34 is arranged within the support tube 40 and thesleeve tube 50 to resiliently oppose relative movement of the supportbrace assembly 42 and the sleeve brace assembly 52 towards each other.

The example extension section 24 comprises an extension tube 60, anextension rod 62, and an extension brace assembly 64. The extensionbrace assembly 64 is supported at a desired position relative to theextension rod 62. The sleeve rod 62 is detachably attached at any one ofa plurality of positions relative to the extension tube 60 to allow theextension rod 62 to be supported at a desired position relative to theextension tube 60.

The first example exercise system 20 further comprises a first connectorsystem 70 (FIGS. 1, 14, and 15), a second connector system 72 (FIGS. 1,6, and 9), a third connector system 74 (FIGS. 1, 6, and 10), and afourth connector system 76 (FIGS. 1, 6, and 12). The example firstconnector system 70 detachably attaches the sleeve brace assembly 52 tothe sleeve tube 50 at a desired position. The example second connectorsystem 72 detachably supports the sleeve tube 50 to the support tube 40for movement between an expanded configuration (FIG. 1) and a fullycompressed configuration (FIG. 3). The example third connector system 74detachably attaches the extension tube 60 to the sleeve tube 50. Theexample fourth connector system 76 detachably attaches the extension rod62 to the extension tube 60 in a desired position.

As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 1-10 and 14, the example support tube 40comprises a support tube body 120 and the example sleeve tube 50comprises a sleeve tube outer body 130 and a sleeve tube inner body 132.As shown in FIG. 10, the sleeve tube outer body 130 and sleeve tubeinner body 132 are rigidly supported in a coaxial arrangement relativeto each other by a sleeve tube bridge plate 134. The example bridgeplate 134 further engages one end of the resilient member 34 as shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 14 illustrates that the example support tube body 120 and examplesleeve tube body 130 are both substantially square in cross-section.Further, at least the sleeve tube body 130 is hollow and the supporttube body 120 is sized and dimensioned to fit snugly within the sleevetube body 130 in a telescoping manner along a support axis S (FIG. 9).The example support tube body 120 is also hollow. The corners of thesquare cross-sections of the tube body 120 and sleeve body 130 allowlinear movement of the sleeve tube 50 relative to the support tube 40along the support axis S but prevent rotation of the sleeve tube 50relative to the support tube 40 about the support axis S.

FIG. 13 illustrates that the example extension tube 60 defines anextension tube projection 140 and that the example extension rod 62defines an extension rod groove 142. The example extension tube 60 andexample extension rod 62 are both generally circular in cross-section.Further, at least the extension tube 60 is hollow and the supportextension rod 62 is sized and dimensioned to fit snugly within theextension tube 60 in a telescoping manner along an extension axis E(FIG. 12). The example extension rod 62 is also hollow. The extensionrod groove 142 receives the extension tube projection 140 such thatlinear movement of the extension rod 62 along the extension axis Erelative to the extension tube 60 is allowed but rotation of theextension rod 62 about the extension axis E relative to the extensiontube 60 is prevented.

The example first connector system 70 comprises a lock pin 150, firstand second brace lock openings 152 and 154 formed in the sleeve braceassembly 52, and a plurality of support openings 156 formed in a supportflange 158 extending from the sleeve tube body 130. Using the firstconnector system 70, the sleeve brace assembly 52 is fixed relative tothe sleeve tube 50 along the support axis S at a desired position. Thedesired position corresponds to a desired distance between the sleevebrace assembly 52 and the support brace assembly 42.

The desired position is obtained by identifying a desired supportopening 156 from the plurality of support openings 156, aligning thedesired support opening 156 with the first and second brace lockopenings 152 and 154, and inserting the lock pin 150 through the alignedopenings 152, 154, and 156. As shown in FIG. 14, inserting the lock pin150 through the first sleeve lock opening 152, a selected one of thesleeve brace lock openings 156, and through the second sleeve opening154 prevents linear movement of the sleeve brace assembly 52 relative tothe sleeve tube 50 along the support axis S. FIG. 15 illustrates thatwith the lock pin 150 removed, nothing prevents linear movement of thesleeve brace assembly 52 relative to the sleeve tube 50 along thesupport axis S.

Although the example first connector system 70 comprises a lock pinextended through aligned holes in a support flange, connector systems inaddition or instead of the example first connector system 70 may beused. For example, support openings may be formed directly in a sleevetube body, and the pin may extend through one or two brace lock openingsin the sleeve brace assembly and one or more of the support openings inthe sleeve tube body. As another example, a spring detent may besupported by the sleeve brace assembly 52 to extend into openings formedin the sleeve tube 50. As yet another example, slots may be formed alongthe length of the sleeve tube 50, and a metal ring rotatably attached tothe sleeve brace assembly 52 may be rotated into an unlocked position inwhich the ring does not engage the slots and a locked position in whichthe ring engages one of the slots. In any case, the first connectorsystem 70 shall be sufficiently rigidly connected to a desired locationon the sleeve tube 50 to accommodate a maximum return force created bythe resilient member 34 as will be described in further detail below.

The example second connector system 72 is configured to detachablyattach the sleeve tube 50 to the support tube 40 such that the sleevetube 50 can move within a limited range of movement along the supportaxis S relative to the support tube 40. In particular, as perhaps bestshown in FIG. 9, the example second connector system 72 comprises alimit member 160, a limit opening 162 formed in the sleeve tube 50, anda slot or groove 164 formed in the support tube 40. The resilient member34 is arranged such that a portion of the resilient member 34 is withinthe support tube 40 and a portion of the resilient member 34 is outsideof the support tube 40. The portion of the resilient member 34 outsideof the support tube 40 is next inserted into the sleeve tube 50 until aportion of the support tube 40 enters the sleeve tube 50 as shown inFIG. 9. The example limit member 160 is extended through the limitopening 162 such that a tip 166 of the limit member 160 is within theslot or groove 164. As shown in FIG. 9, the tip 166 of the limit member160 engages an end 168 of the slot or groove 164 to prevent the portionof the support tube 40 within the sleeve tube 50 from being removed.However, simply altering the position of the limit member 160, the tip166 thereof is removed from the slot or groove 164 and is no longercapable of engaging the slot end 168. At this point, the support tube 40may be disengaged from the sleeve tube 50.

The example limit member 160 thus defines a first end of the range ofmotion between the support tube 40 and the sleeve tube 50 along thesupport axis S. A second end of this range of motion is defined by theresilient member 34 and/or a second end (not shown) of the slot orgroove 164.

Turning now to FIGS. 10, 11A, and 11B of the drawing, the example thirdconnector system 74 will now be described in further detail. The examplethird connector system 74 comprises a first connector portion 170 formedon the sleeve tube 50, a second connector portion 172 formed on theextension tube 60, and a detent member 174 supported by the secondconnector portion 172. The detent member 174 defines a detent projection176 and a resilient portion 178. A first detent opening 180 is formed inthe first connector portion 170, a second detent opening 182 is formedin the second connector portion 172, an alignment projection 184 extendsfrom the second connector portion 172, and an alignment slot 186 isformed in the first connector portion 170. The example first connectorportion 170 further comprises an inner projection 188. The firstconnector portion 170 and inner projection 188 both extend from the endplate 134 in a direction opposite that of the sleeve tube outer andinner bodies 130 and 132.

The extension section 24 is optionally connected to the base section 22by placing the example third connector system 74 into a connectedconfiguration as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11A. In the connectedconfiguration, the alignment slot 186 receives the alignment projection184 and the detent projection 176 extends through the detent openings180 and 182. The resilient portion 178 biases the detent projection 176through the detent openings 180 and 182. At the same time, the secondconnector portion 172 is snugly received between the first connectorportion 170 and the inner projection 188 such that the support axis Sand extension axis E are aligned to define a system axis A. Theextension tube 60 is thus prevented from movement along the system axisA relative to the support sleeve 50 by the engagement of the detentprojection 176 with the detent openings 180 and 182 and from rotatingabout the system axis A relative to the support sleeve 50 by theengagement of the alignment projection 184 with the alignment slot 186.The engagement of the second connector portion 172 with the firstconnector portion 170 and the inner projection 188 encourages alignmentof the support axis S and extension axis E during use of the exercisesystem 20.

To disconnect the extension section 24 from the base section 22, thedetent projection 176 is depressed as shown by arrow D in FIG. 11A untilthe detent projection 176 is substantially passed through the firstdetent opening 180. At this point, the extension tube 60 may bedisplaced away from the sleeve tube 50 along the system axis A todisconnect the extension section 24 from the base section 22.

Connector systems and methods other than the example third connectorsystem 74 may be used to detachably attach the extension section 24 tothe base section 22. For example, matching threaded surfaces may beformed on the first and second connector portions 170 and 172 that allowthe extension tube 60 to be threaded on to the sleeve tube 50.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the example fourth connector system 76 willnow be described. The example fourth connector system 76 comprises adetent member 190 supported within the extension rod 62, a first detentopening 192 formed in the extension rod 62, and a plurality of seconddetent openings 194 formed in the extension tube 60. The example detentmember 190 comprises a detent projection 196 and a resilient portion198.

To detachably attach the extension rod 62 to the extension tube 60 toobtain a desired length of the extension section 24, the extension rod62 is inserted into the extension tube 60 until the first detent opening192 is aligned with a desired one of the second detent openings 194corresponding the desired length. When the first detent opening 192 isaligned with the desired second detent opening 194, the resilientportion 198 forces the detent projection 196 through the desired seconddetent opening 194 to place the example fourth connector system 76 intoa locked configuration as shown in FIG. 12. In the locked configuration,the extension rod 62 is prevented from moving along or axially rotatingabout the extension axis E relative to the extension tube 60 byengagement of the detent projection 196 with the first detent opening192 and the desired second detent opening 194.

The example fourth connector system 76 may be placed in an unlockedconfiguration by depressing the detent projection 196 against thebiasing force of the resilient portion 198 until the detent projection196 is substantially removed from the desired second detent opening 194.In the unlocked configuration, the extension rod 62 may be moved alongthe extension axis E relative to the extension tube 60 to obtain adifferent desired length or completely detached from the extension tube60 for storage.

Connector systems and methods other than the example fourth connectorsystem 76 may be used to alter the effective length of the extensionsection 24. For example, a plurality of extension segments definingmatching threaded surfaces may connect to together to define a pluralityof different lengths.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 12, an example stabilizing system 220 may beused to stabilize the alignment of the extension tube 60 and extensionrod 62 along the extension axis A. The example stabilizing system 220comprises a first stabilizer member 222, a second stabilizer member 224,an end cap 226, and a stabilizer groove 228 formed on the extension rod62. The first stabilizer member 222 is supported on the end of theextension tube 60, and the second stabilizer member 224 is arrangedpartly within the stabilizer groove 228. With the extension rod 62partly arranged within the extension tube 60, the stabilizer members 222and 224 engage the inner surface of the extension tube 60 and the outersurface of the extension rod 62 to allow smooth movement of theextension rod 62 within the extension tube 60 without excessive play toensure that the axis of the extension rod 62 is aligned with theextension tube 60.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate that the example sleeve brace assembly 52comprises a sleeve collar 230 that defines the first and second bracelock openings 152 and 154 and first and second handle openings 232 and234. First and second handles 236 and 238 are detachably attached to thesleeve collar 230 to allow the sleeve brace assembly 52 to bedisassembled for storage. The example handles 236 and 238 are threadedinto the first and second handle openings 232 and 234, but other meansof detachably attaching the handles 236 and 238 to the sleeve collar 230may be used.

FIGS. 16-20 illustrate an example brace structure 240 that may be usedto form either or both of the support brace assembly 42 and theextension brace assembly 64. The example brace structure 240 comprises ahandle base 242, first and second handle assemblies 244 and 246, and aresilient connector 248. The handle base 242 is rigidly connected to thedistal end of the support tube 40/extension rod 62. The example handlebase 242 is a hollow tube defining first and second end openings 250 and252 and first and second tube detent openings 254 and 256. The examplehandle assemblies 244 and 246 each comprise a handle tube 260, a gripmember 262, a detent member 264, and an end cap 266. The example handletube 260 defines a handle detent opening 270. The example detent member264 defines a detent projection 272 and a resilient portion 274 and isarranged within the handle tube 260 such that the detent projection 272extends through the detent opening 270. The example end cap 266 issupported at a distal end of the handle tube 260. The resilientconnector 248 is connected between the end caps 266 of the first andsecond handle assemblies 244 and 246 and extends through the handletubes 260 and the handle base 242.

In a use configuration, the proximal ends of the handle tubes 260 areinserted into first and second end openings 250 and 252 of the handlebase 242 such that the detent projections 272 extend through the firstand second detent openings 254 and 256 in the handle base 242. Todisconnect the handle assemblies 244 and 246 from the handle base 242 toplace the example brace structure 240 in a storage configuration, thedetent projections 272 are depressed against the biasing force of theresilient portions 274 such that the detent projections aresubstantially withdrawn from the first and second detent openings 254and 256. The handle tubes 260 are then removed from the handle base 242.The resilient connector 248 allows the handle tubes to be removed fromthe handle base 242 but ensures that the handle assemblies 244 and 246are kept with the handle base 242.

FIGS. 23-27 illustrate optional brace pads 280 that may be provided tocushion the support brace assembly 42 and/or the extension braceassembly 64. The brace pads 280 comprise a base layer 282, a cushionlayer 284, and first and second snap assemblies 286 and 288. The examplebase layer 282 is configured to wrap around the support brace assembly42 and the extension brace assembly 64, accommodating the support tube40 and extension rod 62 as necessary. The cushion layer 284 is securedto the base layer 282 to provide a more comfortable engagement of theuser with the support brace assembly 42 and/or the extension braceassembly 64. The example snap assemblies 286 and 288 are secured to thebase layer 282 to allow the base layer 282 to be secured in place aroundthe support brace assembly 42 and/or the extension brace assembly 64with the cushion layer 284 in its proper position for cushioning.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of exercising comprising the steps of:providing an extension section; providing a support assembly; providinga sleeve assembly that is detachably attachable to the extensionsection; providing a resilient member; forming a base section byarranging the resilient member to resiliently oppose movement of thesleeve assembly in a compression direction relative to the supportassembly; detachably attaching the extension section to the sleeveassembly; applying a force to the extension section such that theextension section is displaced relative to the support assembly in thecompression direction; detaching the extension section from the sleeveassembly; and applying a force to the sleeve assembly such that thesleeve assembly is displaced relative to the support assembly in thecompression direction.
 2. A method as recited in claim 1, in which thestep of providing the support assembly comprises the steps of: providinga support member; providing a support brace assembly; and supporting thesupport brace assembly with the support member.
 3. A method as recitedin claim 1, in which the step of providing the sleeve assembly comprisesthe steps of: providing a sleeve member; providing a sleeve braceassembly; and supporting the sleeve brace assembly with the sleevemember.
 4. A method as recited in claim 1, in which the step ofproviding the extension section comprises the steps of: providing anextension brace assembly; and configuring the extension brace assemblysuch that the resilient member resiliently opposes movement of theextension brace assembly relative to the support assembly in thecompression direction.
 5. A method as recited in claim 1, in which thestep of providing the extension section comprises the steps of:providing a first extension member; providing a second extension member;providing an extension brace assembly; rigidly supporting the secondextension member at one of a plurality of positions relative to thefirst extension member; and supporting the extension brace assembly withthe second extension member such that the resilient member resilientlyopposes movement of the extension brace assembly relative to the supportassembly in the compression direction.
 6. A method as recited in claim1, in which: the step of providing the support assembly comprises thesteps of providing a support member, and supporting a support braceassembly with the support member; and the step of providing the sleeveassembly comprises the steps of providing a sleeve member, andsupporting a sleeve brace assembly with the sleeve member.
 7. A methodas recited in claim 1, in which: the step of providing the supportassembly comprises the steps of providing a support member, providing asupport brace assembly, and supporting the support brace assembly withthe support member; the step of providing the sleeve assembly comprisesthe steps of providing a sleeve member, providing a sleeve braceassembly, and supporting the sleeve brace assembly with the sleevemember; and the step of providing the extension section comprises thestep of providing an extension brace assembly.
 8. A method as recited inclaim 1, in which: the step of providing the support assembly comprisesthe steps of providing a support member, providing a support braceassembly, and supporting the support brace assembly with the supportmember; the step of providing the sleeve assembly comprises the steps ofproviding a sleeve member, providing a sleeve brace assembly, andsupporting sleeve brace assembly with the sleeve member; and the step ofproviding the extension section comprises the steps of providing a firstextension member, providing a second extension member, supporting thesecond extension member relative to the first extension member,providing an extension brace assembly, and supporting the extensionbrace assembly with the second extension member